Buffalo State musical celebrates Black History Month

(Buffalo, N.Y.) – SUNY Buffalo State’s theatre department began their Black History Month celebration with a production of the musical “Buck, Boogie, Bop and Beyond: The Black and Brown of Broadway.”

The musical pays tribute to African diaspora who have made significant tributes to American musical theater.

“One of the major artists is Duke Ellington,” said Corey Grant, the show’s assistant director. “One of his pieces, ‘Don’t Mean A Thing,’ we have a choreographic specifically for him.”

The production is conceived, directed, and choreographed by Carlos R.A. Jones, associate dean of the School of Arts and Humanities.

“It’s such a fun play, it’s a lot of fun. It’s very interactive,” said Jacequeline Thomas, assistant choreographer of the production. “The fact that the actors are looking at the audience, kind of talking to the audience, and there is a lot going on, so you’re entertained in so many ways.”

The song, dance and narrated musical featured a four night run at Buffalo State, which concluded Feb. 11.

“We are looking forward to hearing the reviews,” said Grant. “We want to know the importance of it. How has it impacted you, how has it impacted campus.”